Health Encyclopedia

Calluses and Corns

Definition

A callus is an abnormal thickening of the top layer of skin, which is composed of the natural protein, keratin. Calluses can form on areas that are repeatedly exposed to friction or pressure. They are usually painless or only mildly painful.

A corn is a small, well-defined, thickened area of skin that forms on the toes. Corns put pressure on the underlying skin against the bone. They are usually inflamed and painful.

Causes

Calluses and corns form as protective pads of skin in response to repeated friction or pressure. Causes include:

Calluses—Any activity that applies repeated friction or pressure to an area of skin, including:

Lifting weights (hands)

Using tools (hands)

Playing a stringed instrument (hands)

Running long distances (feet)

Kneeling to lay carpet or tile (knees)

Walking on hard surfaces without shoes (feet)

Corns—Any activity or condition that applies repeated friction or pressure to the toes, including:

Wearing ill-fitting shoes

Bunching of socks around toes

Socks with seams that rub against the toes

Foot abnormality causing a protrusion that rubs against footwear

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the risk of calluses and corns include:

Professions or physical activities that cause repeated friction or pressure on the skin

Wearing ill-fitting footwear

Symptoms

Symptoms of calluses include:

Rough, thickened area of skin

Painless or slight degree of pain, burning sensation

Yellow or reddish in color

Symptoms of corns include:

Small, usually painful bump on the side or the top of the toe, or between toes

Yellow or reddish in color

Diagnosis

The skin where a corn or callus has formed will be examined. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and visual observation of the corn or callus. They are easily distinguished by:

Location—Corns usually only form on or between the toes

Degree of pain—Corns are usually quite painful, while calluses are usually painless or only slightly painful

A scalpel may be used to reveal the layers of the skin growth to make sure that it is a corn or callus, rather than a
wart
.

Treatment

Treatment of calluses and corns usually include self-care and medication. In severe cases, minor surgery may be necessary. People with
diabetes
or circulatory problems should always see a doctor or podiatrist for treatment. Self-treatment may lead to severe infection in these individuals.

Self-Care

For calluses:

Wear gloves, thick socks, or padding to protect your skin.

Some calluses need to be thinned. Thin the callus by rubbing with a
pumice stone
while bathing.

For corns:

Wear properly fitting shoes.

Remove bunching of socks, irritating stitching from socks, or any other irritant.

Thin the callus by rubbing with a
pumice stone
while bathing.

Try using doughnut-shaped corn pads, which may relieve pressure on corns.

Medication

Applying keratin-dissolving medication (such as salicylic acid) can help dissolve calluses and corns more quickly. Apply medication carefully, since it contains acid that may damage nearby healthy skin.

Minor Surgery

In severe cases, calluses and corns may need to be shaved off with a scalpel. More extensive surgery may be needed to correct foot deformities that cause extremely painful or debilitating corns.

Prevention

To prevent calluses:

Avoid activities that apply repeated friction or pressure to the skin.

Wear gloves, thick socks, or padding over the affected area of the skin.

To prevent corns:

Wear properly fitted shoes.

Wear properly fitted socks with no irritating stitching.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.